ACGP16 Frequently Asked Questions

AKS Asian Choral Grand Prix

11 to 14 August 2016 | Kaohsiung 高雄, Taiwan 台湾

ADMISSION

A panel of choral experts is responsible for the admission of choirs to the competition.

1. Please fill up online, the ACGP Registration of Intent. Successful submission of this form will be taken as your registration date to determine early bird/regular registration payment.
2. Send us recordings in audio and/or video format of at least 1 piece (preferably a cappella) that is not older than 5 years. Please give us 2 weeks to review the recordings. Kindly share via streaming sites and/or cloud drives with a shared link to facilitate our work.
3. If accepted, an official invitation letter will be emailed to you.
4. Complete registration by paying the balance of registration fees.

COST OF ADMISSION

550 Singapore Dollars

Please note that the above are costs per choir for participation in the Asian Choral Grand Prix.

COMPETITION PROGRAMME

Compulsory Works

One Hungarian choral work (may be sung in a language other than Hungarian).

One choral work from the competing choir's country.

Other details:

A piano is provided.

A maximum of 3 instruments may be included.

The choir may present any number of pieces within the time limit.

All choirs should be prepared to perform at least 2 pieces for the AKS Asian Choral Grand Prix Concert.

Conductors who programme according to the theme "Let the World Rejoice" will be considered favourably.

Pieces may be changed but must be finalised 30 days before the competition.

DURATION

Please check the performance duration for your category. This is taken from the moment the first performer walks onstage, to walking offstage i.e. includes:

Singing time

Re-positionings (if any)

Walking on and off stage

Audience will refrain from clapping in between songs.

RULES

Only choirs which have been officially admitted to the competition can participate. To apply for admission, they have to fulfill the following conditions:

The members of the choir must be amateurs, i.e. the majority must not earn their living by singing.

The conductor and accompanist (if any) may be professional.

Choirs from music academies and conservatories are allowed to participate.

University category choir singers must be current students or just graduated in the year of the competition.

All participating choirs are obliged to be present at the AKS during the entire period from 11-14 August 2016 and to participate in AKS and competition events, designated masterclasses, concerts, etc.

CHOIR SIZE

The recommended number of singers for choral groups are from 16-50 singers. Please write in to enquiries@kam.sg should you have any special requests or difficulties in meeting these numbers.

ASSESSMENT

Choirs will be assessed based on their artistry and technical accomplishments.
- Artistry (50%) (E.g. ensembleship, expression, phrasing, stylistic awareness etc.)
- Technical accomplishment (50%) (E.g. articulation, dynamics, intonation, vocal production etc.)
The weighting of the two rounds is 75% (1st round), 25% (2nd round) of the final result.

AWARDS

Competing choirs will receive a certificate jointly issued by the Kodaly Academy of Music Singapore and the International Kodaly Institute of the Liszt Academy of Music (Hungary). There is no limit to the number of gold, silver and bronze awards that may be given - i.e. choirs that achieve the necessary standards of performance will be awarded accordingly. Apart from the overall Grand Prix, the Jury may at their discretion, award special prizes that may include:

Best Conductor Prize.
Best performance of a Hungarian choral work carried by Editio Musica Budapest.
Best performance of a Chinese choral work.
Best performance of an Asian choral work.
Best performance of a living composer's work.
Best premiere of a living composer's work.
Best performance of a piece carried by Panamusica/Helbling Verlagsgesellschaft.

ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS & TRAVELLING EXPENSES

In view of the different needs of performers, choirs may choose to make their own arrangements for meals, accommodations and travelling expenses. Please write in to enquiries@kam.sg if you wish to hire local Kaohsiung guides.

ACGP COMPETITION VENUE

The ACGP performances will be at the Kaohsiung Cultural Centre (seats 1702).

ACGP CHORAL MASTERCLASS

My choir is not competing in the ACGP, but can my choir sign up for the ACGP Choral Masterclasses?

While we are open to letting non-competing choirs sign up for the ACGP masterclasses, priority must go to the competing choirs and subject to availability and scheduling of our clinicians. Please write in to enquiries@kam.sg for more information.

MISCELLANEOUS

The AKS Asian Choral Grand Prix venue and the workshops of Asia Kodaly Symposium are all within walking distance of each other. Choristers and conductors are highly encouraged to sign up as delegates to participate in the workshops.

If choirs have difficulty sourcing for a rehearsal venue in your hotel, there could be possibilities of rehearsing at the various open spaces at the university.

Sandwiches can be purchased on campus and many affordable eateries and cafes are available in the vicinity, many within walking distance.

If choirs have difficulty sourcing for a rehearsal venue in your hotel, there could be possibilities of rehearsing at the various open spaces at the university.

Competing choirs may have the chance to observe the performances of other choirs but this is highly dependent on the availability of seats in the concert hall.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

IMPORTANT
While KAM does its utmost to run the Event as announced, changes in the program and schedule may occur and do not entitle the delegate to a fee reduction or refund. KAM shall not be liable for any failure of or delay in the changes or cancellation of the symposium for the period that such failure or delay is due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited acts of God, war, strikes or labor disputes, embargoes, government orders or any other force majeure event. KAM cannot be held liable for any damages and expenses incurred by individuals or any parties associated with this event. KAM recommends that delegates arrange for travel insurance.

Do note that photos, videos and various forms of media recordings will be taken at this event and may be used for KAM's marketing purposes across all communications channels. By registering, you agree to give KAM permission to do so at no cost.

CHANGES TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The KAM website contains the most up-to-date information available and delegates are highly encouraged to continue visiting the site for the latest information. KAM reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time and do so by posting the updated terms on the KAM website. Your decision to continue participation in the Event after such changes have been made constitutes your formal acceptance of the new Terms of Service.

CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event of cancellation of your registration, please be sure to notify KAM via email at enquiries@kam.sg with a reference to a bank account, including the SWIFT Code and IBAN (International Bank Account Number), where a possible refund may be remitted to. A cancellation fee will be charged based on the date the cancellation received by KAM, as follows:

- Until 31 March 2016 - 20% of the registration fee
- From 01 April to 31 May 2016 - 50% of the registration fee
- After 31 May 2016 - 100% of the registration fee (no refund)

There will be no refunds for no-shows, late arrivals, early departures or unused entry tickets. Any refunds will be processed after the Event (N.B. Administrative charges will be deducted from the amount to be refunded).

FURTHER ENQUIRIES

For further enquiries, please write in to acgp (at) kam (dot) sg

Do note that enquiries start to peak around deadlines so write in earlier! Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you as soon as we can!

Revised as of 15 May 2016.

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